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Zion, Bryce , Grand Canyon ,Do I Need to Make Reservations?

Zion, Bryce , Grand Canyon ,Do I Need to Make Reservations?

Old Jul 17th, 2012, 07:42 PM
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Spiro, thank you SO much. I really appreciate this specific advice. It's exactly what I want to know.

If I skip Monument Valley , as you suggest, then what route would I take from Capitol Reef to Grand Canyon ? Don't I have to drive through Monument Valley?

I'm not sure I want to go as far over as Arches.

Does the north rim close Oct 15 because of risk of snow? I hope that's not the case.. I am not planning on going there, but certainly Bryce is not far from there.

Is there any reason I should do my big loop in reverse?
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 09:08 PM
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Yes, the North Rim closes that early because of weather, which often includes snow at that altitude. A few years ago, I hiked rim to rim at the Grand Canyon with a group of friends at the end of September. We went on to Zion in early October, and it was perfect. Some in the group ( not me) went on to Bryce after that, and ran into snow.
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Old Jul 18th, 2012, 02:39 AM
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As spiro wrote, Utah is addictive. I too went on what I thought was "my trip to the Southwest". I've been back several times and hopefully a few more time.

The places are far apart so it isn't just the driving distance but the number of hours.

For instance, I sure you'll make stops along Rte 12 as you go. It's tougth to enjoy scenery and stay on the road.
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Old Jul 18th, 2012, 03:43 AM
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Dang - lost a post when trying to go retreive something.

Anyhoo - I think in October - you should find accommodations pretty available - but would call/email ahead of time to check out a few options along the way so you can just pull over if you feel like it.

And while I also like Arches - I think it's a bit out of the way on this "wheel" of a trip. You can get a little flavor of Arches if you stop at the National Bridges Monument (I think that is the name) - which is before you get to Mexican Hat.

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm

And if you haven't already - you should certainly check out Sprio's great trip reports - including this Utah one with many pics. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...and-photos.cfm
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Old Jul 18th, 2012, 03:48 AM
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kodi, If you are flexible about direction, you can have a better chance of in park lodging. Try to get in park at GC, Zion and/or Bryce and if that works at the beginning or end of the trip, then work the direction around that. If you get into Vegas early enough be aware that it is only 3 hrs up to Zion and 5 to Grand Canyon south rim.

In any case, look in Springdale for Zion, Ruby's, Tropic or Torrey for Bryce, Cameron Trading Post or Tusayan for Grand Canyon. If those places don't work out, look in Kanab for the Utah parks or near I-40 for GC. Make reservations you can cancel and then keep calling the parks and cancel the prior reservation if you get lucky and can stay in the park.

The parks in this part of the world are addicting. Route 12 is spectacular and there are beautiful things to see going in both directions. We've done the loop both directions and I like the approach for both GC south rim and Zion from the east best, but that isn't possible to do both without a longer loop.

Have a wonderful trip.
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Old Jul 18th, 2012, 03:50 AM
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LOL. Accidentially posted this on Myer's trip report - but hey - the more the merrier eh?

Anyhow/BTW: Just checked out a trip report by Meyer - and he also has some very good stuff. see: http://www.travelwalks.com/

I while I/we would love to go back and spend some more time - even camp at Valley of Fire - since you are just leaving Vegas when you come to the turnoff (a half hour or so to the turnoff) - I would suggest you save it for another time, or maybe visit it when you get back to Vegas after this Oct trip - if you have time.
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Old Jul 18th, 2012, 04:33 AM
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OH thank you all so much. I'm so excited and now have a good feel for where I can stop overnight and where I can stop to see awesome vistas ( saw that phrase in a book years ago and loved it) . Once again, you fodorites are the best.
Such great information. I know I will spend the weekend reading trip reports and getting even more excited.

I sure hope I don't run into snow. But at least it doesn't really frighten me.. I'm used to it.

I'm sure I will want to return again and again. It's my first time to that whole area. I haven't even been to Vegas before, but will have additional time to see all that it has to offer when I finish this road trip.

I appreciate the help so much.
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Old Jul 18th, 2012, 07:42 AM
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Other than the area around Bryce and up to Boulder - which is more at altitude - I don't think snow will be a problem on this trip, and even then - don't think it hits that hard normally in October.

I would suggest you try to go earlier in October rather than later though.
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Old Jul 18th, 2012, 09:14 AM
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I just came back from Zion as a day trip from Las Vegas. It was some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The town of Springdale was hopping, but it looks like so much fun. Have a great time!
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Old Jul 19th, 2012, 05:59 AM
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brookums, sound really beautiful
. Thank you .

I am planning this trip for earlier in Oct , so I'm not really
worried about snow

Thanks again everyone . I have so much great information here.
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